Do you love French cuisine as much as I do? Try my versions of a Monte Cristo Sandwich, Potato Leek Soup, or French Green Beans (Haricots Verts)! Croque Madame is a gourmet French ham and cheese sandwich. It’s the female companion to Croque Monsieur but I like to think of this easy Croque Madame recipe as the elegant and classy version because it’s served with a fried egg on top. My couple of trips to Paris have long ago solidified my love for the magnificence of French cooking.
Make Ahead Instructions:
To Make Ahead: The Béchamel Sauce is easy to prep ahead and can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week in advance. Spread Béchamel and Ham: Spread each bread slice with a thin layer of béchamel, spreading it all the way to the edges. Place 4 slices of bread, béchamel side up, on prepared baking sheet. Top with a piece of ham. Add Cheese: Top bread with a sprinkle of freshly grated gruyere and parmesan cheese. Top with another bread slice, béchamel side up, then sprinkle with remaining gruyere and parmesan cheese. Bake at 425° F for 5-6 minutes, until cheese is melted, then turn the oven to broil and toast until the cheese on top is lightly golden, 2-4 minutes. Top with Egg: While sandwiches bake, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Grease the pan with butter or non-stick cooking spray and crack eggs into hot pan (you may need to do this in batches, depending on size of skillet). Reduce heat to medium and cook for several minutes, until desired doneness. Place an egg on top of each hot sandwich and serve.
Recipe Variations:
Croque Monsieur: leave off the fried egg. Bread: Any bread will work, but we recommend thin white sandwich bread because it tends to make the yummiest layered grilled cheese. Cheese: Croque Madame is made with high quality cheese like guryere and parmesan. Substitutes may include Emmental, Jarlsberg, Beaufort cheese or simply use a cheese you like, understanding that it may differ from the traditional French way.
I originally shared this recipe October 2020. Updated March 2023.
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